Thempeutic stockings

Appropriate compression profiles for stockings to manage venous disorders in the lower extremities of ambulatory individuals are defined, the pressure in the region of the calf being 40-65% of that at the ankle, and that in the region of the mid-thigh being about 15-45% of that at the ankle, the pressure at the mid-thigh being lower than that at the calf. Three profiles are described for the treatment of three categories of venous disease: mild venous disease, superficial venous insufficiency, and deep venous insufficiency. The highest pressures are used to manage the most severe disorder. The stockings use large pressure gradients to provide support for microscopic haemodynamics and valvular function at each region of the leg without producing venous congestion. The large gradients also ensure the maintenance of graduated pressure for the general population with an acceptable number of stocking sizes. Reduced toot pressures are also utilised to enhance patient compliance and at the same time avoid a torniquet effect.